Ultrahigh faradaic NiO anchored carbon-coated Fe-MOF derived Fe₃O₄ NiO-C@Fe₃O₄ as potential electrode for pouch-type asymmetric supercapacitor

Metal organic frameworks have emerged as a potential component in tailoring the design of metal oxides. Herein, we report electrochemical aspects of pseudocapacitor assembled with NiO curved nanoflakes blended with carbon coated Fe₃O₄ nanorods (NC@FO) as an active electrode. The NC@FO nanocomposite synthesis encompasses various stages covering MOF derived Fe₃O₄ nanorods, thin layer of elegant carbon coating on Fe₃O₄ nanorods, NiO curved nanoflakes by hydrothermal route, and physical blending of NiO with C@FO. The physical characterisations confirm the structure, morphology, presence of functional groups, and oxidation states of FO and NC@FO compounds. In a three electrode supercapacitor assembly, the active working electrode, NC@FO exhibits high specific capacitance of 1210 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ and excellent capacitance retention of 87.1 % over 2000 cycles at 10 A g⁻¹. In an asymmetrical flexible pseudocapacitor assembly of AC//NC@FO as a pouch cell, the active electrode, NC@FO excels with fast rate capability, and significant capacitance retention of 83.32 % over 10,000 cycles. The AC//NC@FO pouch cell exhibits relatively high power density of 2690 W/kg and an amicable energy density of 72 Wh/kg. The AC//NC@FO pseudocapacitor reveals good electrochemical stability under different bending angles which confirms better flexibility of the device. Interestingly, the AC//NC@FO flexible pseudocapacitor is capable of powering a red LED with high intensity which suggests possible real-time applications in wearable electronic industries.